The FY25 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau Wide funding opportunity, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), supports conservation-based projects involving young adults and veterans across public lands. The program, backed by the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, is designed to provide employment, training, and educational opportunities to individuals aged 16–30 and veterans up to 35 years old. These individuals are engaged in hands-on natural and cultural resource projects while gaining valuable work experience and developing career interests in conservation-related fields. The initiative also contributes to economic development by stimulating local economies and fostering partnerships among federal agencies, nonprofits, and local communities.
The main objectives include enhancing youth employment, promoting environmental stewardship, and offering professional development opportunities in conservation. Projects span activities such as trail building, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, cultural resource preservation, and wildfire risk reduction. BLM coordinates with local and state program leads to ensure that projects are relevant and beneficial to public lands. Participants are supervised by qualified staff from partner organizations and must be compensated either through stipends or wages. The expected stipend rate is approximately $800 per week.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of governmental and nonprofit organizations such as state, county, and city governments; federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribal entities; public and private institutions of higher education; and 501(c)(3) and other nonprofit organizations. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. Projects must align with the priorities of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) and, where applicable, the Indian Youth Service Corps Program. A 25% cost match is statutorily required for all agreements.
Applicants must submit required federal forms, including the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-LLL, along with a project abstract and a detailed project narrative. The narrative should cover objectives, public benefits, environmental compliance, personnel, and evaluation methods. A separate budget narrative is required, detailing all costs, matching funds, and indirect rates. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 11, 2025, and projects are expected to begin by September 25, 2025. The maximum project period is five years, ending no later than September 30, 2030.
Applications undergo eligibility screening followed by a merit review focusing on need, recruitment strategies, technical approach, public benefit, qualifications, and cost share. Projects are rated based on whether they exceed, meet, or do not meet expectations. Final funding decisions also consider risk assessments and management alignment with Department of the Interior (DOI) priorities. Key contact for the program is Stephanie McBride (smcbride@blm.gov, 303-236-4001), with additional program inquiries directed to Michael Brown (m55brown@blm.gov).
Ensure SAM.gov registration well in advance.
Justify any stipends above $800/week.
Clearly outline cost match and recruitment plans.
